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Chelsea, Arsenal and Man City into Women's FA Cup quarters

Naomi Girma joined Chelsea for a then-world-record fee in January 2025 [Getty Images]

Holders Chelsea edged past Manchester United into the FA Cup quarter-finals thanks to an extra-time tap-in from defender Naomi Girma.

The United States international prodded home from close range in the 99th minute to open her goal account for the Blues after the visitors had failed to clear their lines from a corner.

It was a disappointing end to the tie for Marc Skinner's side, who had battled from behind to take the contest into extra-time.

Substitute Simi Awujo arrived at the back post on 81 minutes to cancel out Sam Kerr's opener - the Australian had come off the bench to steer home Veerle Buurman's knockdown three minutes prior.

Chelsea had beaten United in last season's final and victory will hand Sonia Bompastor's side a psychological edge over the Red Devils before they meet again in the League Cup final at Ashton Gate on 15 March.

Elsewhere, captain Kim Little scored for a second FA Cup tie in a row as 14-time winners Arsenal claimed a 3-0 victory over Bristol City.

Victoria Pelova and Frida Maanum were also on target in a second half that was blighted by a head injury to winger Olivia Smith, who was stretchered off.

Manchester City are also through after ruthlessly despatching second-tier Sheffield United 4-0.

The Women's Super League leaders raced into a three-goal lead inside 22 minutes thanks to two close-range finishes from Lauren Hemp, and a low drive from Aoba Fujino. Laura Coombs poked home their fourth in the 90th minute.

Brighton ran out 2-1 winners at West Ham in another all-WSL tie, as manager Dario Vidosic returned to the dugout.

The 38-year-old has been away from the team in Australia for the past month after the passing of his father Rado, who was also Brighton's women's and girls' head of coaching.

Veteran Fran Kirby rolled back the years with a goal and assist in a commanding first-half display, with Leila Wandeler's 75th-minute goal unable to inspire a West Ham fightback.

Birmingham City and Charlton Athletic prevailed in the only ties not involving top-flight clubs.

Oceane Hurtre scored a hat-trick in an 8-0 rout for the Blues over Chatham Town on Friday night, while the Addicks edged out fourth-tier Oxford thanks to Lucy Fitzgerald's 76th-minute penalty.

London City Lionesses host capital neighbours Tottenham on Monday, 23 February (19:30 GMT) in the remaining fifth-round tie.

Women's FA Cup fifth-round results

  • Birmingham City 8-0 Chatham Town
  • West Ham1-2 Brighton
  • Arsenal 3-0 Bristol City
  • Chelsea 2-1 Manchester United (AET)
  • Manchester City 4-0 Sheffield United
  • Oxford United 0-1 Charlton Athletic
  • Liverpool v Everton (22 February, 16:30 GMT)
  • London City Lionesses v Tottenham Hotspur (23 February, 19:30 GMT)

When is quarter-final draw?

The draw for the quarter-finals will take place on Monday, 23 February at 19:00 GMT on TNT Sports 1 and the Adobe Women's FA Cup YouTube channel.

The last-eight ties are scheduled to take place on Sunday, 5 April.

Ellen White, Jen Beattie and Ben Haines
[BBC]

Ben Haines, Ellen White and Jen Beattie are back for another season of the Women's Football Weekly podcast. New episodes drop every Tuesday on BBC Sounds, plus find interviews and extra content from the Women's Super League and beyond on the Women's Football Weekly feed

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